Most massages have common traits – a therapist applies pressure to areas of the body to relax or manipulate. The overall goal is the well-being of the patient receiving the massage treatment.

While there are various types of massages, they all come at a price. Finding the most affordable can be a challenge. The cost varies in a wide range, and largely is determined by where the massage will occur, the skill level of the masseuse, and the length of the anticipated treatment. A massage in Beverly Hills likely will cost more than one in the San Fernando Valley. Why? Location, location, location, as they say in real estate.

Keep in mind that price isn’t everything. The cheapest massage may not be as wonderful as the one administered by a fully licensed and trained therapist. It’s not unlike buying meat by the pound rather than the quality – sure, you can find the most affordable massage, but will it be the best massage?

The word massage is French in origin and means “friction of kneading,” which is what recipients experience. It can be applied to almost every part of the body, including the elbows, knees, feet, hands, back, fingers and forearms. It can be performed by hands or with a mechanical massage device. Both are effective in achieving the goal of relaxing the patient and assisting with relieving stress or pain.

There is evidence of the practice of massages dating back to ancient civilizations in India, China, Japan, Korea, Egypt and Rome, among other locations. As far back as 2330 BC, there are cave drawings that seem to depict massages being administered to feet and hands.

What to Expect

Most massages occur with the patient getting onto a table in a horizontal position, allowing the masseuse to apply pressure to most areas of the body. There are also massages designed to be administered while the patient sits in a chair or lying on a mat. For at-home massages, the patient may lie on a bed or the floor. And there are also massages administered while immersed in water.

Massages can be clothed or unclothed, gentle or rough, delivered in a Spartan room, a locker room, or in a dimly lit cubicle  perfumed with fresh flowers or oils. It all depends on the facility and the client's goals. Some day spas can charge hundreds of dollars while more economical massages may be as cheap as $20 for a quick rubdown. A licensed, trained therapist will cost more than someone who has enthusiasm but little training.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the seedier side of the business. So-called “massage parlors” can be found in many big cities. These consist of little more than a front for prostitution and offer few therapeutic benefits. When in doubt, check out the online reputation of the business. It should be fairly clear which are medicinal or designed for relaxation and which service a different need.

Massage therapy is an increasingly popular occupation. The United States Department of Labor reports that massage therapist employment is expected to increase 23 percent over the next decade, which is faster than average for all occupations.

The American Massage Therapy Association is the largest non-profit association for massage students, therapists, professionals and training institutes. The association has 51 chapters and promotes education, licensing and benefits of massage through its 51 chapters. It's important to ensure that your therapist is affiliated with the AMTA.

The AMTA reports that the massage therapist is likely to be in practice alone and charges an average of $68 for an hour of massage. That translates to an average wage of $43 per hour for all massage-related work in an office, spa, salon, health club, or health care setting.

While there are many different types of massages, most of them occur in spas. There are two very popular types of massages. They include Swedish massage therapy, the most common type in the U.S. A therapist will knead muscles with long, smooth strokes and circular movements, manipulating muscle layers using lotion or oil.

Also popular is aromatherapy massage, which uses essential oils that energize, reduce stress and increase balance.

Legitimate and Affordable Massage

Because the practice of massage is growing, there are a lot of schools that offer training. These massage schools are always in need of willing subjects for student practice and offer far lower rates than commercial massage businesses. To find one near you, check out NaturalHealers.com for a listing of schools by location. You'll need to inquire at the school of your choice to set up an appointment.

Groupon is a popular online service that offers discounts on various items, practices and dining. They occasionally offer special rates from local massage establishments. Visit GroupOn.com and search for “massages” to see what’s available in your area.

One popular way to find a cheap massage – ask! Your local health spa may offer a price break for regulars or be willing to barter. It never hurts to inquire.

Some larger airports offer massages for weary, on-the-go travelers. A company called XpresSpa offers a 15-minute head and back massage for $35.

Finally, wait for National Spa Week. This is a special national promotion when many spas join to create events and provide discounts to boost traffic. You can sign up for e-mail notices for what’s available by visiting SpaWeek.com.

No matter what form of massage you choose, it’s best to seek out a therapist with credentials. There are more than 310 accredited massage therapy schools and programs in the U.S. that serve the needs of medical and recreational patients.

If you’re looking for a bargain, your best bet is to treat a massage as you would any purchase. Call around, compare prices with your budget and when you find the right match, get ready to relax!